Before Thomas Merton's book, The Wisdom of the Desert, arrived in my mailbox, I knew very little about the author or the 4th century Christian monks that had retreated to the North Africa desert to live in caves. Don't feel intimidated by this translation of ancient texts, this thin volume is filled with short passages that are witty, sometimes funny, and always deeply relevant to a contemplative life in the desert.

Come join us on February 1st at Mother House, a space Laurence and John Alexis have dedicated exclusively to spiritual practice. To find Mother House from downtown JT, drive north on Sunburst from Hwy 62, turn right on Golden, left on Border, keep an eye out for Pole and Del Oro Roads, then turn left on Winters (sign on left), then drive 1 1/4 mile on dirt road to Shangri La and turn left. Mother House will be on your right in less than a quarter mile—look for the big white book club sign to guide you to the correct driveway. -Kip